Review: Jane Eyre at EmilyAnn ‘interesting and entertaining’

When I first heard that Jane Eyre, the Musical was going to be performed at the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens, my first thought was, “Really?” How could anybody adapt such a dark and intense story into a production that could be remotely entertaining, I wondered. Happily, my skepticism proved to be unfounded. Taking in the show on its first weekend turned out to be both interesting and entertaining. The cast and crew at the EmilyAnn Theatre successfully produced Charlotte Bronte’s novel, Jane Eyre, in a big way: big cast, big vocals, big-time set and costuming design.

As always, productions at the “EmilyAnn” are performed by talented and enthusiastic actors, and this musical follows suit. Devyn Collie owned the lead role by playing Jane exactly as, one might imagine, Bronte would have wanted the young heroine to be portrayed. Collie’s lovely vocals helped endear her complex character to the audience. The male lead, Edward Rochester, played by Derek Smootz, was a perfect casting pairing for this Victorian love story. Smootz convincingly conveyed the depth of Rochester’s tortured soul with action and song. However, one of the youngest cast members “stole the show.” Elizabeth Reid was absolutely charming as Adele, Rochester’s very young, illegitimate, French-born daughter. Reid’s French accent was “spot-on,” as the English say.

Director, Bridget Gates, noted, “I saw Jane Eyre, the Musical on Broadway in March 2000, and fell in love, hard. I read Charlotte Bronte’s haunting novel in an advanced English course in 8th grade and immediately declared it one of my favorite books, and it still is one of my all-time favorites. I have always felt that Bronte’s language in this novel is very poetic and musical, which lends itself perfectly to musical theatre form. I would like to give my undying gratitude to the cast and crew of this gorgeous production for making my favorite musical come to life at my favorite venue, the EmilyAnn Theatre. This production is everything I had hoped and dreamed for, and more.”

So, dispel any doubts and give this extravagant musical a “go.” Jane Eyre, the Musical runs on weekends through February 24. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. Seating in the Burdine Johnson Indoor Theatre is limited. Tickets are available at the door, or on-line at www.emilyann.org. Call (512) 847-6969 for more information. The EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens is located at 1101 FM 2325 in Wimberley.